Deptford school budget includes increased security measures

The Deptford school board has released a preliminary budget for the 2013-2014 school year with an increased emphasis on security.

The $66.2 million budget, if approved, would include a tax levy of $35.8 million. Last year’s tax levy was $34.6 million for a budget of $65.4 million. The result is a proposed 5.9-cent increase on the tax rate, which equals the state’s 2 percent cap.

A home assessed at the Deptford average of $179,001 would pay an additional $105 a year in taxes.

“One of the things we put in this year’s budget was some increased security items,” said Business Administrator Chris Rodia. “In the past, there wasn’t much for security, but we’ve increased our security budget.”

Among the new security measures are funds to replace school bus radios. The district also plans to take on other security projects that Rodia declined to disclose to ensure their effectiveness.

Rodia said that Deptford, like most school districts in the area, is dealing with costs that are rising faster than tax revenues can keep up.

“The lion’s share of your school budget is the health benefits and the salaries,” he said. “And those things increase faster than the 2 percent cap. It’s difficult to maintain. It’s tough, but it’s something this board is dealing with.”

The district is seeing a 20 percent increase in spending on health benefits for school employees. However, Deptford’s school district uses a different health care provider than the state program used by most districts.

“It’s still cheaper than going with the state,” said Rodia.

In addition to security and health benefits, the district is adding funding to its Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program, which includes special curriculum for students to take classes in science and engineering. The budget includes upgrades to school computers as well.

A public hearing on the budget will be held March 26 at 7 p.m. at Deptford High School, 575 Fox Run Rd., Deptford.